Q:I need to reduce the average monthly home electricity bill by powering some of the household appliances using solar panels. Can I use a 250 watt solar panel to power a medium sized upright fridge?

How many watts does your fridge consume? Do you want it to work at night when the solar panels aren't doing anything? Probably not.

Q:How do solar panels affect roof ventilation?

Solar panels can potentially affect roof ventilation by creating shade and reducing airflow, which can result in higher temperatures and reduced effectiveness of the ventilation system. However, this impact can be minimized by using solar panel mounting systems that allow for proper airflow and by ensuring adequate spacing between the panels and the roof surface.

Q:How do solar panels connect to the electrical grid?

Solar panels connect to the electrical grid through an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that is compatible with the grid. This AC electricity is then sent to the main electrical service panel in a home or building, where it can be used to power appliances and devices. Any excess electricity generated by the solar panels can be fed back into the grid, often through a net metering arrangement, allowing the owner to receive credits or compensation for the excess energy produced.

Q:Do solar panels work at night?

No, solar panels do not work at night because they require sunlight to generate electricity.

Q:Okay, me and my friends are going to fix up an old trailer that's out in the woods, we want something to be able to run small electric appliances off of, but it's to far to run power to. How can we make a good but cheap homemade solar panel that we could plug things into? The trailer is in more of a field so it gets plenty of sunlight! Thanks for any help! :)

you cant make solar panels to generate electricity at home. A LOT of high tech equipment is needed. About the cheapest option is to use solar powered garden lights but that is all you'll get is a bit of light.(Google making solar panels) You should be able to make up a windmill powered generator though (but dont expect much power out of something you can make easily) Do some research yourself

Q:we are planing to move out of the grid. we need to operate constantly 2 laptops online - does any one can tell us how much solar panels we shall need to make sure of that?

A laptop is about 70 to 00 W, and you have two. You also may need to power a router, and modem. So, about 50W to 250W contineous should cover it. To save power when not in use, you can let the display go blank. This will reduce your solar pannel, and battery size, and cost. You will need batteries, and blocking rectifier to store the energy for use at night, and a 300W to 400W inverter. Checkout the link below for purchasing solar equipment. You can only hope to get about 8 to 9 hours of full output from your solar pannels, and 80% efficiency. The laptops will be on and using about 200W for the 8 hours during the charging period. So your pannels, need to produce that plus 2 times more than this amount, so you can charge the batteries for the evening, at the same time. So for 24 hour operation, you will need 200W x8hrs for the laptops, plus (6 hours*70W)/8=340W avg. Total of ~540W for 8 hours. Assuming you use power saving modes when not in use, you can probably get away with 3x60W -- 520W to 600W pannel. ( Thuja is right, a few cloudy days may knock you offline) Batteries. A common low cost ( $40) automotive battery can hold about 40 Amp/hours at 2V. Under load, you may get 35 Amp hours at 0V, which is about 350Watts for one hour. You need about 80W avg for 6 hours, or ~ 2900Watt Hours. Which means you would need 9 automotive batteries. Deep storage batteries cost more, but are more durable. 6*00W pannels, $460*6 ~ $2800 Inverter $70 Batteries $400 Battery cables, rectifier, lugs, connectors $50 There are probably some other hidden costs. I was rooting for you, but it appears to be pricey. Another thing you can do, is to use the new energy efficient RF florescent bulbs for lighting. The color and brightness are excellent, and a 60W bulb only uses about 3W, and they last a lot longer as well.

Q:I was thinking about getting some GE Solar Panels and on there website that I am on, I didn't really see a price. can anybody give me maybe an estimate on how much each one would cost? thanks

I know someone that paid $600 a panel. I am not sure what kind or size, sorry.

Q:How do solar panels affect the homeowner's insurance policy?

Solar panels can have an impact on a homeowner's insurance policy as they are considered an additional structure or improvement to the property. While they may increase the overall value of the home, they also introduce potential risks such as damage from storms or accidents. Homeowners should inform their insurance provider about the installation of solar panels to ensure adequate coverage and potentially adjust their policy accordingly.

Q:so...do you think an online store dedicated to selling solar panels/systems will be a good business idea? Since green energy is the 'hottest' growing business area recently with usage growing about 30% per annum and investors putting all their money into solar energy, wind farms, biofuel, etc. I think when you sell solar systems online this will be the most appealing business model to the end customer...especially if you offer free installation on orders of say $000.

Did okorder , you will see thin film going for 99 cents a watt at times. The crystalline kind of panel that goes for $2.35 a watt is more like $.50 wholesale, and that's for a major distributor, not a (forgive me) small order of $60k, which is less than one container. There is a coming glut of panels, and prices will fall, but that means both wholesale and retail prices. I'm not saying it won't work, but do good research. For example, I think there are many more than 3 or 4 online shops for solar panels. Investigate shipping an warehousing costs. Investigate whether Home Depot really does not offer installation (every time I go in there, I see a guy handing out flyers for installation). And research carefully how much it will cost to provide installation. The typical install requires skilled and licensed workers. It won't be legal in most places unless someone has the necessary certifications. It's not just a matter of screwing the things to the roof. Any roof penetration has to potential to leak if done improperly. And any electrical wiring has the potential for burning the house down. Whatever business you finally pursue, research carefully, or that $60k will flee from you like a jackrabbit.